If you are a casual classical music listener or a sincere music enthusiast, the Albany Symphony's signature American Music Festival gives you a unique opportunity to "listen adventurously."

For five-days, David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony transforms the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center and Downtown Troy into a bold, world-class destination for contemporary classical music.  From large-scale orchestra works to ground-breaking performances by premiere resident ensembles, here are 5 must hear performances at the 2017 American Music Festival.

COMPOSER TO CENTER STAGE READING SESSION

From the composers imagination to the center stage,  the creative process behind preparing a contemporary masterwork is unique and fascinating.  Watch and listen as three new works from the next generation of American composers come to life for the first time.  

Designed as an open working rehearsal and preview performance, the Composer To Center Stage Reading Session, gives you a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes with David Alan Miller and the Musicians of the Albany Symphony.

This years reading session will feature new works by Charles Peck, Roger Zare, and Benjamin Park.

DOGS OF DESIRE

Since its inception in 1992 the Dogs of Desire has commissioned and premiered hundreds of innovative new works by today's most adventurous composers.   On Friday, June 2nd, the Dogs of Desire will premiere an inspired new work by emerging composer Viet Cuong.

Commissioned by GE Renewable Energy, Cuong's new work will harness inspiration from the "earth’s most abundant resources - the strength of the wind, the force of water, and the heat of the sun", to create an innovative work that celebrates humanity's ability to use technology to change the future of energy. 

THIS LAND SINGS: SONGS OF WANDERING, LOVE & PROTEST

"This Land Sings" is a one-of-a-kind song cycle by Grammy® award winning composer, Michael Daugherty.  Inspired by the iconic life and times of Woody Guthrie, "This Land Sings" is composed in the style of an old-time radio show and features 11 original songs for Soprano and Baritone and 5 instrumental pieces.   

CLARINET CONCERTO //REENA ESMAIL & SHANKAR TUCKER

On Saturday, June 3rd at the American Music Festival's flagship performance, the Albany Symphony will premiere Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra by rising star composer, Reena Esmail.   Commissioned by the Albany Symphony for Clarinetist, Shankar Tucker,  Reena's commission seamlessly blends Western and Hindustani musical styles with contemporary techniques. 

WATER MUSIC NEW YORK PREVIEW

Inspired by the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal, Water Music New York is a unique cross-regional musical journey to capture and celebrate the spirit embodied in the storied communities along the Erie Canal.   Conclude your American Music Festival experience with a preview of 7 world premieres inspired by the historic waterway and the 7 unique canal communities participating in Water Music NY.